Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry involves many different treatment options. We have listed an outline of them below. We would be happy to see you for a consultation about any of these treatments to enhance your smile. Call us today 905-235-8200.

Composite Restorations (Fillings) – Cosmetic Dentistry

Composite fillings are one of the most common dental repairs in use today. it is made of a durable tooth-colored compound that closely resembles natural tooth enamel. For this reason, they are preferred by the vast majority of patients. Unlike older filling materials, compositely comes in a variety of shades, which Dr. Ly carefully selects to match with the patient’s teeth.

Reasons for composite fillings:

Chipped teeth.

Closing space between two teeth.

Cracked or broken teeth.

Decayed teeth

Worn teeth.

How Are Fillings Done?

Whenever a tooth has been compromised by injury or decay, Dr. Ly removes the nonviable portion of the affected tooth and then fills the space with a composite filling. This process takes only one appointment and Dr. Ly will use local anesthesia to numb the tooth that is being treated. Placing a composite filling is, therefore, both convenient and painless. Once the new filling has been shaped and polished, you’ll be able to walk away with a fully restored tooth that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Other than experiencing a mild temporary sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, you will not experience any side effects.

Composite fillings can both repair cosmetic blemishes (such as chips in the teeth or wide gaps between teeth) and protect the treated tooth or teeth from decay. Remember: Dental cavities that are not treated invariably get worse, and cracks in teeth that are not filled often get infected. Having a composite filling placed promptly is therefore important if your teeth have sustained any kind of structural damage. Composite fillings, while not permanent, can last for many years, ensuring that your formerly damaged tooth remains whole and healthy.

While composite fillings are durable, you will still need to care for them like any other tooth, with daily brushing and flossing. Dr. Ly will give you specific instructions on how to care for your new composite fillings after they are placed.

Porcelain Crowns (Caps) – Cosmetic Dentistry

Sometimes teeth become very badly damaged, either by extensive decay or large chips, cracks, or fractures. Extensive wear, such as the results of bruxism (teeth grinding), can also severely impact the shape and function of teeth. When this occurs, Dr. Ly places a protective crown (a kind of “tooth cap”) over the entire tooth (after removing any decay that is present). Usually, patients choose what is known as a porcelain crown because this type of crown closely resembles the color of their natural teeth. Indeed, these crowns are so attractive that they may also be used for cosmetic purposes, e.g., for correcting a misshapen tooth or closing large gaps between teeth. Porcelain crowns typically last for many years, however, they are not as durable as some other crown materials that are available. If durability is of paramount importance to you, talk to Dr. Ly about other crown materials.

Reasons for crowns:

Broken or fractured teeth.

Cosmetic Enhancement.

Decayed teeth.

Fractured fillings.

Large fillings.

A tooth has a root canal.

What to Expect When Getting a Crown

When you see Dr. Ly get a crown placed, he will initially make several extremely precise molds of your teeth. These molds will be sent away to a dental laboratory and used to create a perfectly fitted crown. Because this process takes about two weeks, Dr. Ly will place a temporary crown on your tooth for you to use in the meantime. He will remove any decay that is present (while keeping your tooth numb with local anesthetic), then fit the temporary crown so that your tooth is usable and protected from damage. Once your permanent crown is ready, you will return to his office for a second appointment in order to have it placed. Before you leave the office, Dr. Ly will give you special instructions on how to care for your new crown.

Porcelain Fixed Bridges – Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental bridges are an excellent solution for patients who have just one or two missing teeth. They are permanent artificial teeth that are attached to nearby natural teeth, which provide support for the bridge. Dental bridges help patients to chew and speak more easily. They also prevent undue wear from being placed on the patient’s remaining teeth, ensure that his or her natural teeth don’t “drift,” and maintain the shape of the patient’s face. Many patients prefer bridges to dentures as they don’t need to be inserted or removed and they are just as comfortable as one’s natural teeth. Likewise, while bridges sometimes need to be repaired or replaced, they typically last many years without needing adjustment.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

Fill space with missing teeth.

Maintain facial shape.

Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

Restore chewing and speaking ability.

Restore your smile.

Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance.

What to Expect When Having a Dental Bridge Placed

When you come to see Dr. Ly, he will begin by discussing which type of bridge is best able to meet your needs. Most patients choose what is known as a “traditional bridge.” This type of bridge is comprised of a strong metal base that is covered in tooth-colored porcelain in order to seamlessly blend in with the rest of your smile. The pontics (artificial teeth) in the bridge will be anchored to the adjacent natural teeth via the placement of dental crowns. This will create a strong, uniform chewing surface and completely erase gaps created by missing teeth. The end result is a functional, beautiful smile.

Because placing a bridge is a complex process, it requires two or more appointments. During the first appointment, the teeth that will anchor the bridge will be prepared to receive crowns. (This generally necessitates the removal of some enamel, which Dr. Ly will do while the patient is under local anesthetic.) Dr. Ly will then make a precise mold of your mouth to send away to a dental laboratory, where your bridge will be prepared. In the meantime, you’ll be given a temporary bridge to wear. Once your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll be asked to return to our office and have it fitted. Dr. Ly will then make any minor adjustments needed, cement the bridge in place, and give you aftercare instructions.

Porcelain Veneers – Cosmetic Dentistry

Unlike composite fillings, crowns, and bridges, veneers aren’t meant to serve a functional purpose. Instead, their role is purely aesthetic. Veneers, which are crafted from durable tooth-colored porcelain, are applied to the front teeth in order to improve their appearance. Veneers can be used to reshape crooked teeth, add volume to unusually small teeth, and provide a beautifully bright new surface for badly stained teeth. They can also be used to cover small chips and areas of tooth wear that are not severe enough to warrant a filling or crown. By doing the aforementioned, veneers help to create an even, attractive smile. Having veneers placed will not damage your natural tooth structure and you can expect your veneers to last for a number of years.

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.

Crooked teeth.

Mis-shaped teeth.

Severely discolored or stained teeth.

Teeth that are too small or large.

Unwanted or uneven spaces.

Worn or chipped teeth.

What to Expect When Having Veneers Placed

Having veneers placed is a painless, convenient process. To prepare your teeth, Dr. Ly will buff and shape them, using a small amount of anesthesia if required (this is not always necessary as the placement of veneers usually requires only minor prep work). Dr. Ly will then make a precise mold of your teeth (and prepare color samples) to send away to a dental laboratory, where your new veneers will be prepared. After they are completed, you will return to our office so that they can be placed. Dr. Ly will use bonding cement and light technology to create a resilient bond between the veneers and your natural teeth.

Before you leave our office, Dr. Ly will give you instructions on how to care for your new veneers. Just like natural teeth, veneers require regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits in order to remain strong. For more information about cosmetic dentistry, contact Davis Dental Care – dental office in Newmarket today!